In a move aimed at boosting voter turnout and engagement in the electoral process, P Krishnamurthy, the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi, announced the implementation of an Election Commission of India (ECI) Order. This order grants a paid holiday to employees on the polling day in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi under Section 135B of the RP Act 1951. The polling day in the NCT of Delhi is set for May 25.
According to the order, all eligible employees, whether from the public or private sector, who are registered voters in the NCT of Delhi, are entitled to a paid holiday to exercise their democratic right to vote on polling day. Additionally, voters from neighboring cities such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan who work in Delhi, as well as voters from Delhi working in neighboring cities, will also receive a paid holiday on their respective polling dates, as per information provided by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer through a press release.
This initiative emphasizes the significance of voter turnout and the crucial role of every citizen in strengthening the electoral process, the release highlighted. By providing a paid holiday, the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi, under the guidance of the Election Commission, aims to facilitate unimpeded participation and promote voter awareness among residents.
Furthermore, employers of relevant public, private, or other establishments have been urged to comply with this order and ensure that their employees have the opportunity to take part in the democratic process without any obstacles, as stated by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer.
The release emphasized that non-compliance with this order could result in fines and penalties under the specified provisions. It also appealed to the youth and young voters in the NCT of Delhi to seize this opportunity and cast their vote on polling day.